By S. Ali | Photo Gallery
Faisal Taj took top honors for 2012 when Cosmos recently celebrated their 29th Anniversary Presentation Dinner at the elegant Flavor of India. Taj led the way while the promising Rasheem James, Riaz Ahsan, and Sajib Salam followed closely behind as Cosmos registered another successful season.

Faisal Taj (right) collects one of his many awards from New York Region represenative to USACA.

After Cosmos manager Nathan Henderson delivered an impressive invocation, the Master of Ceremony, Leonard Achaibar was left with very little room to maneuver, but Achaibar, in his inimitable style captured the essence of the occasion with a classy performance. He echoed Cosmos 29 Anniversary as a remarkable achievement for a club which has held discipline at the forefront of playing the game.

Krish Persaud, the New York Region representative to USACA, expressed his admiration for Cosmos and praised the legacy of his ‘brother’ Ashmul Ali for his tireless work in molding a good Cosmos team over the years. He was impressed with the youngsters especially Taj who, he said, looked very much like a future US Player. He also reminded the boys that he was one of the founding members of Cosmos and an opening batsman at that, which elicited a few friendly reactions from the audience. Jeff James, Progressive manager, spoke of the rivalry and competitiveness between Progressive and Cosmos over the years, a relationship that now exists with deep respect and friendship for each other. Feezo Sheriff expressed his pleasure to see that the legacy of discipline and leadership left by Ashmul Ali is still alive and express his admiration that the younger members are holding the reins.

The presentation of awards highlighted the accomplishments of the players who rose to the challenge in 2012. It was Faisal Taj, the man who single-handedly batted Cosmos through the season and into the semi finals. He took the Cricketer of the Year award for the second time, and the Most Valuable Player award donated by Cricket Zone. The awards table became empty when his name was called for Most Runs, 2nd Batting Average, and Centuries. Taj also won the Most Runs, Centuries, and Most Economical Bowler award for 2012 in the Metropolitan Cricket League. Rudy Persaud, EACA President, presented Taj with a bat for his outstanding performance in 2012.

Sajib Salam (left) collects an award from Lenny Achaibar.

Cassius Burton took the batting average for Cosmos and the MCL with a staggering (155.5 ave). Ricky Kissoon walked away with the most wickets, while Sajib Salam was runner-up. Salam along with Mohan Kissoon received their award for taking five wickets in a match while Ahsan Riaz, Rasheem James and Aown Iqbal were awarded individual performance in a match. Mathew Achaibar (4 yrs), Cosmos newest member, received his appreciation award for taking his occasional naps during the games and keeping the boys entertained when he was awake.

It was an evening full of fun and kind sentiments that echoed the success of Cosmos. It brought an end to another successful year with players and their family enjoying the company of each other. Cosmos will begin preparation for their 2013 season and their grand 30th Anniversary celebration.